Today's Member of the Week is Joy L. Heffron. Joy works at New Chelsea Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas. She has been a school librarian for fifteen years.
We asked Joy some questions about her experience as a school librarian and we would like to share them with you.
What's your favorite thing about your job as a school librarian?
With a combination of teaching students 21st Century skills, the love of books/reading and the infusion of technology, I have my dream job. I know that's more than one thing, but I put it all in one sentence.
Name one children's book that you couldn't live without in your library.
"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein
Tell us why you decided to join the Elementary Librarian Community. What's your favorite thing about it?
I have always scoured the Internet for quality library lessons and activities but was not always satisfied with what I found. When I stumbled across the Elementary Librarian website I knew I found it. This website "gets it". Not only is there a plethora of lesson ideas and activities, it is a community. All librarians love to network and share and this is a wonderful place to do that. Have a question? It will get posted on the community and you will find answers.
What's the biggest challenge you're currently facing when it comes to your school library?
Time; there is never enough of it.
If you could give one piece of advice to a brand new school librarian (or someone considering becoming a school librarian), what would it be?
Be flexible. Don't be afraid to ask or offer your help. Smile...a lot. Know each grade's curriculum. Try to be on that committee if you can. Be proactive. No one else is going to toot your own horn except you. Your actions will show how much you love your job. Collaborate and share what you know with your colleagues and your school administrators. Know the state and local standards. Know the school or district's library curriculum. Don't be afraid to try something new. Keep a positive attitude.
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